This post is sponsored by Paint Nite
Last Friday night, Thomas and I had the chance to attend a really fun Paint Nite event right here in Charlottesville. Paint Nite hosts events all over the country (at more than 3,500+ locations in 1,500+ cities) and they are held at local bars and restaurants so you can order drinks or food while you paint. Our event was held at Keglers Lane bowling alley in its private room.
Paint Nite can organize private events too, so check out the website for more information on that. When you search for events in your area, you’ll get a preview for the painting that will be the model for each night, so you can see what you’ll be painting ahead of time.
My grandmother was a talented painter, but I didn’t inherit those genes from her. I’ve been told in a nice way my whole life: “You’re good at abstract art.” Haha – in other words, my trees never look like real trees. So I was a little nervous to take a stab at such a realistic painting. No experience is necessary though, and all supplies are included in your ticket price (which was $45 for my event). A little beer helped ease the nerves!
This is our host, Heather, who is two parts amazing artist and one part stand-up comic! She was hilarious and had us all laughing at her jokes.
And she definitely made me feel very comfortable by reassuring us that Paint Nite is not a formal art class, but just a chance to have fun putting paint all over a blank canvas with your partner or friends.
So with brushes in hand, we began.
Looks kinda like the German flag, huh?!
When I got to the snow, Heather came around and said to me: “You keep a very tidy car, don’t you?” She could tell I was an organized type A just by my painting style, because I kept messing with the blues in the snow to try to get them perfect. “Just let go and relax,” she told me, and I had to remind myself several times to put down the brush already!
We were all very focused on Heather’s tips, but it was fun to see personalities come out on canvas too. Thomas and I hadn’t done anything artistic together before, so it was a first to let creativity flow. I loved comparing the subtle differences in our visions. We had so much fun at Paint Nite that we want to do another one! This would make a great gift experience for a couple, as Paint Nite has gift cards available for sale on its website too.
Surprisingly, the trees were my favorite part to paint. And it was fun to look around the room and see how different everyone’s version of the same painting turned out. Some people really veered off the path (which was encouraged if you felt like it!)
And our finished work…
His:
Hers:
I have a special code for you guys to get 35% off any Paint Nite event through to the end of the year! Just use the promo code KATHEATS at paintnite.com anywhere in the U.S.A.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Paint night sure looks fun! It’s been a while since I’ve painted. This makes me want to go art-jamming in my free time now.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Kori says
Both of your paintings look fabulous! Kaci and I held a party at Painting with a Twist for our birthday in 2014, and Matt and I hung our paintings in our dining room. I love seeing them every day. You’re right that it’s awesome for a date night – creativity, humor, and the ability to get to know each other better than say at the movies.
KathEats says
send me a link to yours if you blogged about them!
Kori says
It was the year before I started blogging, so I didn’t share it. 🙁 We attended a Paint Nite event August 2015, but I failed to blog about it then. Sheesh. I have some photos from the events, just no post darn it!
KathEats says
Aw darn!
Ellie says
I’ve only ever been to one of these, but it was BYO — there was lots of wine consumed! And you could tell by looking at my slightly crooked rooster. I’ll have to check to see if these are in the DC area — looks like it’d be a lot of fun!
KathEats says
I can imagine the BYO getting a little crazy! I liked that we could just order from the bar since ours was in a restaurant and everyone could get their drink of choice – wine, beer or cocktails – and food too.
Claire says
I like your painting best, but I fear the bear may have bumped into the tree 🙂 the bear in the other painting definitely knows where he is going!
KathEats says
Haha!!!
Denise says
I’ve been to a Paint Night with girlfriends, and a couples one at a similar place last fall. It was in Oxnard, CA, and I forget the name, but they had their own little storefront in an upscale mall. They still served drinks, though, which I find REALLY helps the creativity ha ha! You could do a separate painting, or put your canvasses together for one large one. My husband and I decided to do it together, and it’s a great way to see how you can work together. I love ours, and it’s now proudly hanging in our kitchen.
KathEats says
Love the idea of two canvases and one painting!
Sam @ Hygge Wellness says
Your paintings look awesome!! Forget abstract art.. you’re good at it! PS. I couldn’t help but think of the neighbor from Home Improvement when I saw the picture of Thomas holding his art… lol!!
KathEats says
Haha!!! Yes!!
Mom says
You’re wrong about your artistic abilities. Not everyone can do abstracts, and yours were good!
KathEats says
Like the soccer cat?! You should do a Paint Nite with your art genes! It’s more of a party than a class : )
Mom says
Yes and some true abstracts you painted in on a visit to our house when you were in college.
Jeanie says
Those are both awesome, but I must say I favor his because of the paw prints. 🙂
Jeanie says
Please cancel my comment, quick! NOW I see your paw prints.
KathEats says
He started on his and then our host showed us how to do them teeny tiny with the tip of the brush, so I did it her way. I kind of like his better though because they do stand out!
Polly says
Kath you and Thomas did so great! Wow! looks like lots of fun. XOXO
Stacie says
So, I just have to say how much I love Thomas’ animal prints on his painting. I’m sure they are suppose to be bear prints, but I just can’t help it, but think of paw prints for Gus. <3 <3 You guys did an awesome job!
P.S. Soooo happy for you! (and Thomas)
KathEats says
They are paw prints! And they were definitely made by Mr. Gus <3
Astrid says
Awww, I am German, thank you for painting the flag *LOL* It’s funny how the teacher could tell from the painting that you are a neat person. I am doing a nursing education right now and I told my teacher, I wasn’t sure if the hospital is the right place for my next internship. He said (vriendly) my assignment, that I just handed it, was very “structured” and in hospitals they work witj structure and protocols. In nursing homes or psychiatric wards it’s more “looking wat fits best for the patient”. >> I didn’t ask if it was a compliment or not….so I might have had a very structured snow as well *LOL*. PS: Love your two paintings